Cologne & the Rhine Valley Christmas Markets 2020

Note that there may be small differences between our general Itinerary for this cruise and a specific departure.
To view departure specific itineraries please go to the Dates and Prices tab and click "View Itinerary" on a specific departure.

Cologne & the Rhine Valley Christmas Markets

When it comes to Christmas markets, nowhere does it quite like Germany and the city of Cologne is no exception – in the shadow of its magnificent gothic cathedral, festive stalls spread out into several areas around the city to create one of the best markets in Europe, offering a fantastic range of quality gifts. Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest cities which is transformed into a Christmas paradise. Then there’s Düsseldorf which opens its “gingerbread houses” to the Christmas markets. Our cruise along the mighty Rhine takes you to all of these destinations, where you can shop alfresco style and enjoy the magical atmosphere; and with our ship close by, you can just wander back when you’ve done all your shopping and sightseeing, relax in the cosy lounge and enjoy a warming drink served by the crew. It’s seasonal shopping at its best!

Day 1: UK – Düsseldorf – Cologne We travel to Düsseldorf and settle aboard our ship. We set sail for Cologne this evening.

Day 2: Cologne – Bonn After breakfast we visit the beautiful city of Cologne. The hive of festive activity takes place around the cathedral and the old town, where you will find a maze of pretty stalls offering outstanding arts and crafts. There are also a number of smaller markets to enjoy including the Harbour Christmas Market held on the Rhine, with snowy white pagoda tents reminiscent of a ships sails, and there’s the idyllic market held in the city garden. During lunch we continue cruising down the Rhine to discover the many faces on Bonn and the architectural heritage of more than 2,000 years. We have free time to explore the Christmas markets. A great place to start is the old town hall which has been transformed into an enormous advent calendar, with a light being turned on every day. The neighbouring streets are also back drop to the stunning Christmas Market.

Day 3: Bonn – Koblenz – Boppard This morning we cruise to Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, where you can spend the afternoon enjoying the Koblenz Christmas Market, with over 130 festively decorated wood stalls offering a range of handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and gifts. Enjoy a glass or red or white Glüwein whilst listening to festive music playing. This evening we sail to Boppard, arriving in the early evening.

Day 4: Boppard – Oberwesel – Andernach Admire the scenery as we cruise to Oberwesel this morning. Join our optional excursion to Rüdesheim for a visit to the wonderful Mechanical Music Museum of Siegfried and topping off our excursion we will be offered a mug of glühwein. We return to our ship in Andernach and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Andernach – Düsseldorf We sail this morning to Düsseldorf, on arrival you are free to explore the Christmas Market running throughout December. The city of Düsseldorf is illuminated with sparkling lights and wooden stalls. The Marketplatz in front of the town hall hosts the most stalls; there’s also the Little Angel Market, Little Star Market and Mulled wine and hot chocolate tempt you, whilst craftsmen and craftswomen show off their wares and will happily demonstrate their skills.

Day 6: Dusseldorf – UK This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.

• Experience Cologne’s festive markets spread out under the cathedral

• Discover the many faces on Bonn

• Spend an afternoon enjoying the Koblenz Christmas Markets

• Admire the scenery as we cruise to Oberwesel

• Explore the sparkling lights and wooden stalls in Düsseldorf

Ships

MPS Lady Anne

This floating home-from-home brings together an experienced and friendly crew whose aim is to ensure you have a relaxing and enjoyable break while cruising through great scenery.

We offer a number of flexible travel options for you to join your cruise, whether you want to travel to the port of departure or directly to the ship. Please see below:

Coach via Dover

On many of our cruises you can take advantage of our convenient and FREE regional coach departures aboard our modern executive coaches from a town or city near you to the port of departure and onwards to meet the ship.

Ferry crossing at Dover

When you travel by coach or car, you will join a ferry at Dover, depending on your chosen cruise, and cross over to Europe. Our coach will then take you to meet our ship at the embarkation point as shown in the cruise itinerary.

Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford

Travel at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle and stay overnight at Dover or Ashford, in accommodation close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach. Prices start from £55 per person per night on a bed and breakfast basis and include parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise.

Join at Ship

Dates and pricing

The details below show the travel options, pricing and the available departure dates for this itinerary. If you have any questions about this cruise please do not hesitate to call our Holiday Advisors.

Enhance your holiday experience with a range of optional and included excursions that allow you to discover the history of our ports of call, experience the tradition of local regions and explore further afield. They’re the perfect complement to your cruise itinerary, but they are subject to availability so we recommend you book early!

Rüdesheim Delights

£19

The quaint town of Rüdesheim holds a particular charm during the winter months, with the wine bars, streets and narrow alleys bustling with seasonal festive fayre and sales of its regional Rheingau wines and beers. In Rüdesheim’s most captivating , inclined street called the Drosselgasse, you can seek out a souvenir bottle or two along with some local Asbach brandy. A highlight of our excursion is a visit to the marvellous Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, where fascinating examples of early 1900 mechanical music making systems can be viewed. Topping off our visit will be the offer of a complimentary mug of Glühwein, with the invitation to keep our mug as a souvenir.